The Placeholder

by Lynda [Wolters] Riggers

INDIEREADER DISCOVERY AWARDS WINNER 2023: BEST FIRST BOOK (Fiction)

Thelma and Louise meets Eat, Pray, Love meets Me Before You.

Middle-aged Serenade Kincaid has lost everything: her stepchildren, her house, half her earnings, her sports car, and her husband, all to a decades younger–and more fertile–woman.

Sera now drinks boxed wine from a plastic cup as she attempts to start over from her new home, a seedy motel, as she kills time scrolling dating apps in search of a semi-decent-not-mass-murderer-please-just-spend-time-with-me port in the storm.

As Sera discontentedly leapfrogs through men, her snarky, meddling boss and sometimes-best friend, Carolyn, encourages her to focus more on finding a friend with benefits, just until Prince Charming comes along, of course. Zac fits the bill.

He’s a self-proclaimed “unsuitable boyfriend” who looks to have jumped straight from the pages of a romance novel. Zac also insists he is only looking for some fun, which is perfect for Sera.

Cue the booty calls. And wow, are they hitting the spot. But just when Sera is starting to figure herself out, get her life back on track and think she may have found someone, life takes a sharp left. And all fun and games come to a screeching halt.

Now, Sera, Zac, and Carolyn must race against time to disentangle their web of lies and deceit before it’s too late.

The Placeholder is an unconventional, unforgettable, unputdownable story of loss and love.

paperback

Published August 1, 2022

About the author

I am a native of Idaho and grew up a farmer's daughter in a tiny rural town of 400 people. I have worked in the legal field for 30+ years, and have three amazing sons, two fabulous daughters-in-law, one incredible granddaughter, and two grand-furbabies.

I enjoy ballroom dancing, Netflix binging, and hanging out with my peekapoo (Pekingese poodle), Max.

I am a cancer thriver, diagnosed with Mantle Cell Lymphoma - I'm thrilled to say I've already outlived the "average" expectancy. (If you are curious, my cancer color is lime green.)

I have a heart for volunteering and everything underdog - people, animals, and teams.

I believe every book should be given a chance and that none, no matter the content, should be banned - it is up to us to monitor our intake or that of our littles, not an administration of any kind.

Reviews

[Lulye · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was neither romance, nor women’s fiction (two literary genres that are known for having good things happen to their female protagonists). Surprising because it was presented as both. The blurb doesn’t make it clear what to expect from this novel. Someone suggested a little too ambitious marketing practices but I don’t know if that’s the case.

The truth is, this is a sad book about a sad woman who goes through sad things. It also has a tragic ending that had no business worsening my already bad mood.

The writing was fine. And at the beginning it’s a really fun book but it gets darker as you continue along. This is probably related to the fact that the plot meanders a lot and the main story arc kicks off after the 60% mark. So, to pass time we have to witness the protagonist date lots of different men all of whom are absolutely disgusting people. I guess the main focus of the book is how the protagonist has to find herself before she finds love but she’s more or less an addict and she dates every man she comes into contact with. And then, she is severely punished for acting this way.

On that note, I want to add that this book flirts heavily with slutshaming and the concept of punishing sexually adventurous female characters by having them suffer extremely. Even the supposed best friend of the heroine calls her a trollop –ugh.

***

Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Shannon · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF 30%
What on earth was this?! I gave it an honest attempt but it just was not for me at all. How was this categorized as romance?! I’m stopping at 30% as the FMC feels as thrill of excitement at the guy flirting with her by speaking highly of his ex wife, “who just couldn’t get past his philandering ways”. FMC finds him indescribably sexy in that moment. Of note FMC already at this time has an ongoing f buddy and had previously slept with 2 other men in this book. The energy in this book is frenetic at best, in some sections each paragraph is a different “scene”. It’s just a lot. I don’t consider myself prude, and a woman can get it if she wants to get it, but also I don’t consider this to be representative of the romance genre.

Also. Let’s take a look at the previous reviews on this book. 14- 5 star reviews by users with no profile pic and very low utilization of Goodreads. Very suspicious. 🤨

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book absolutely wrecked me. I'm pretty sure I wept through the last quarter of it, if not third. I think I was expecting more romance and less devastation; in spite of that, I was still so drawn into the drama that I couldn't put it down.

I feel crushed and sort of uplifted at the same time. This book was heartbreaking in so many ways. From the initial injustice of the divorce and Sera's terrible loss of her beloved stepdaughters, to her apparent inability to have children, to the loss of her father - and, essentially, her mother -, to the rape, to the lymphoma diagnosis, this was not an easy life. And yet, she didn't leave pain and negativity behind, she left love and a legacy.

My heart hurts for all the lost time and loving Zac and Sera could have had if not for Carolyn's interference. She could have been so happy, at least for a little longer. But, I suppose, since they forgave Carolyn, I should, too. It's all such a tragedy, Shakespeare couldn't have done it better.

I'm sure I'll be thinking about this one for weeks, if not longer, unlike many I've read and quickly forgotten.

* I received a digital ARC from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review

[Misty's Book Space · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

I want to thank the author for sending me a copy of this book via Rachel's Random Resources in exchange for my honest review. I was meant to share my review during the blog tour at the beginning of the month, but I had some unexpected family stuff come up and wasn't able to finish reading the book on time. I have since finished it and I'm now ready to share my thoughts on it with you today.

When I first read the synopsis, I thought this book could be something I would enjoy but unfortunately that wasn't really the case. To start off this book is slow going. I struggled to read it. It took me a little over a month to finally finish it and I usually finish books in 2-3 days. I also really didn't like the main character, Sera. She was so infuriating. She made one stupid decision after the other even after she realized what she was doing she still kept doing it despite the consequences. Every man she was with was horrible in some way and on more than one occasion there were some major consequences, but she just could seem to help herself. I'm not say that she deserved everything that happened to her because she was making stupid decisions because I don't believe anyone deserves to be raped or slut shamed or anything like that no matter what. It just infuriated me so much that she knew she was making all these stupid decisions, but she just went on and kept doing it. 

Also, I don't like when books are in the middle of a scene, and we are about to get to the good part when we start on another chapter and we've someone jumped ahead in time and instead of getting shown what happened we are very casually and quickly being told what happened. Even with all of the negative things I have to say about this book I still found myself not being able to give up on the book. It's like that saying "It's like a trainwreck, you just can't look away. That's kind of how this book made me feel. The author had a way with her words. Even though I was so mad while reading it she made me keep wanting to read it and she had me tearing up a little bit in the end. 

There are a lot of trigger warnings for this book so look into that before reading it. While this book didn't work for me, I would totally give this author another chance. 

[Daisy Cummins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly rate this book 5/5 and I truly believe that anyone who reads this wonderfully written story, will give you hope in love and life. It contains powerful description of love and true emotions, suffering and I wish this book was made into a movie!
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With stunning imagery, compelling friend relationship and a clever plot The Placeholder is a mist read for every Taylor Jenkins Reid & Colleen Hoover fan, I loved this book so much and definitely will read more from this Author!
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On the surface, it's a story about female friendship, but as the pages turn, it becomes so much more! The characters and storyline are lyrically fascinating, I smiled and cried while reading parts of this book, the Author has delivered a delightfully powerful novel that brings to life the courage and strength of female relationship.

[Jared Kessler · Rating 5 out of 5]

So creative. Finally, an original and different story instead of the same old same old.

[Breyanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Using this book literally for its namesake because today I finished my friends book that she wrote! And it won't be released for a while and I take my goodreads v seriously.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an emotional rollercoaster of so many different feelings and situations that seemed to engulf Sera's life. Reeling from a divorce and trying to find her way, she doesn't do such a great job at picking men. I thought that when she started wading the dating pool again things wouldn't take an absolute horrible turn after each guy. The only one out of all of them who stayed constant and a catch was Zac. Cary was a pompous jerk, Phil a drunken gross mess and of course Rodney, we just won't talk about Rodney. That experience for her was horrific and just seemed to highlight her downward spiral. Between sexual assault, miscarriage and finally a devastating medical diagnosis Sera didn't seem to have a chance to ever be happy. I'm glad in the end she was able to rise above, enjoy what time she could with those close and give back to others to leave a lasting impact. There were so many likable characters sprinkled throughout such as Carolyn, Vance, Stefan, and Javier. But of course there were those you loathe like Rodney (absolutely despised). This mix of good vs. bad made the story a page turner and enjoyable. Sera's story is intertwined with so many different people from so many different places. As I started to read I couldn't believe she would make so many bad choices in trying to find her new path, but as I continued to read I was pulled in constantly deeper and emotionally invested in her story. By the end, a teary-eyed end I may add, I found I was both sad and relieved that she got to find peace with all that had happened.

[Bridget Ball · Rating 5 out of 5]

Serenade Kincaid is a newly divorced forty-something that is down on herself and her luck. After watching her best friend start to spiral, Carolyn (Serenade's boss) suggests a placeholder- just a guy to hook up with until the real deal comes along. Her friends set her up with Zac, a self-proclaimed "bad boyfriend" just looking for a good time. At first Serenade finds it liberating until she starts seeing him too frequently and throws all pre-set boundaries out the window. She puts him on the back burner as she continues to date and give other guys a chance. Just when things couldn't get any worse, something happens that no one saw coming.

This book is a wonderful story, sometimes fun and sometimes tragic this is one that will pull at your heartstrings. There were times when I wanted to scream "What are you doing?!" but the relationship with Zac kept me turning the pages to find out how it was going to go.

I recommend this book for fans of Your Place Or Mine and Bridget Jones series. The overall theme of friendship and love is evident throughout with a true message of what really should matter. Read this one with your best friend when you are in the need for a good cry.

[Carolyn Blackhurst · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Placeholder is an engaging novel that is hard to put down. Lynda Wolters has managed to spin an entertaining story that is infused with her wit, humor and wisdom. The book took me on a wild joy ride alongside Serenade Kincaid.

This beautifully written story holds all the feels-from joy and rip-snorting belly laughs, to deep grief and sorrow. I had to pace myself while reading The Place Holder so I could picture the book’s characters in my mind and savor every plot twist. I didn’t want the story to end.

I look forward to reading more novels by Lynda Wolters. She is a gifted writer and an incredible human being who makes the world a better place-through action and story.

[Storied Conversation · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before I start my review I want to say that some will not find this book for them. Sera, the main female character, is a bit of a hussy at one point in the book. She is pouring through men like it’s her job description. Her actions can be triggering for some. In my opinion this is not a romance book and although there is some romance in it I don’t advise approaching it that way. I have labeled it as women's fiction simply because I wasn’t sure where to put it. This is the story of a woman who goes through a messy divorce and then proceeds to make bad decisions without thinking about the consequences.

The piper always has to be paid and when he comes calling Sera is forced to face the fact that in her life story she is the villain at times. More times than not when it comes to the decisions she has made and the things she has done. She reminded me so much of my sister who just does whatever suits her at the moment and then is so surprised when she has to answer for her actions.

Carolyn is her one constant friend even though there are times when I thought she was a bit judgmental. Although I will say if you hear my lifelong best friend and I talk to one another sometimes you would think we hated each other. If you bestie can’t be honest with you then who can?

From the first page to the last I loved this story. Like I said some will not and that’s okay. I honestly think everyone should give it a go. It may surprise you.


I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. This review was originally posted on Storied Conversation

[Shani · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you think you’re headed in one direction with Sera’s story, be prepared to be taken on a roller coaster of emotions and lots of ins and outs. Sera is like so many of us, post-divorce. Trying to figure out her life, where she wants to go, and what it takes to get started in the right direction. She has to go through a lot in order to sort out all the chaos that she’s come to know throughout her adult life. I appreciated that she was willing to look at herself hard enough to see what she was doing wrong after a time or two of really getting caught up in some tough stuff. Through all of her ups and downs, she’s proven to be relatable, funny, loving, chaotic, and overall just as “normal” as any of us. I loved the cast of characters that accompany her along the way. Her friendship with Carolyn shows a great deal about both women and their strengths. I appreciate the emotions the author was able to pull out of me s I was reading. Having been in various stages of life like she has made me understand the story a little more.

[Amy Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It is a stark reminder that as women, it is hard to find love until we first love ourselves…and that love doesn’t have to be romantic, but can (and should) be the love of friends who support us through good times and bad. As someone who has lived in Idaho for many years, I especially enjoyed the names of places in and around Boise. It’s fun to read a book set in a familiar place.

[Katheryn Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very impressed. I loved the accurate portrayal of relationships and the characters that felt really real

[Mossie Hoppe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unquestionably dazzling story! Couldn’t put this book down from start to finish! Unexpected twists and turns throughout which will keep you hooked!

[Nikki Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know why I am so drawn to this story, I just am. Just as great as the first time I read it.

[Ellis Considine · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an exceptional story! So many diverse characters come together in a way not at all typical of most story telling.

[Taylor Hathcock · Rating 5 out of 5]

"My desire to be someone's chosen consumes me. Every. Single. Time. It doesn't matter who I am with, that person becomes my world, and that becomes the new me."

"I need approval. I need to be wanted. I need love. And I'll conform to whoever gives it to me."


Potential Triggers: Infertility, Infidelity, Death of Parent, Death of Child, Death of Spouse, Divorce, Miscarriage, Cancer, Date Rape, Abusive Relationship, Caregiver



Fresh out of a divorce and some not so stellar dating relationships Serenade, a middle aged lawyer who is inhaling self-help books, enlists the assistance of Zac, also fresh out of a divorce. The two engage in a sex only relationship, suggested by Serenade's friends as a way to help with her loneliness. It's all fun and games until Sera realizes she is in love with Zac. After falling ill she discovers that Zac is married and refuses to be the other woman. Carolyn, Sera's friend and boss, takes matters into her own hands to discover that things aren't exactly as they appear. This book is an unconventional story of love and loss perfect for fans of Thelma and Louise, Eat, Love, Pray, and Me Before You.

What can I even say about this book. It started out in one direction and ended somewhere else entirely. AND I LOVED EVERY SECOND OF THE RIDE! Sera is an easily relatable character which is great. She has terrible taste in men, and a bad habit of changing herself to be what she thinks men want. However, she knows this about herself. She also yearns to be loved by someone, and I think everyone can relate to that. The book starts out showing the train wreck that is Sera's life, other than her friend Carolyn (we all need one of her seriously).

Throughout Sera has a variety of bad encounters which really make her question her lifestyle. She starts to adopt the lessons from her self-help books and wants to become a better person. All of this while maintaining her relationship with Zac, who she has developed feelings for. Sera's life is a series of ups and downs and she gets hit with a major whammy when she finds out she is sick. Sera really begins to evaluate the relationships that she has, and learns that her friendships have filled a void, even if she didn't see it at the time.

In a dramatic and emotional turn the last half of the book gets extremely serious and gut wrenching. It becomes a testament to the importance of friendship and the different kinds of love that exist. It is a lovely portrayal of love, loss, grief and sickness. Sera is a formidable character throughout and Carolyn is a fierce protector in her own right. The story becomes centered on the epic journey these two undertake together and the lasting impact Sera can have on the world. Be prepared to laugh and cry with this one.

[Maura Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I try hard not to blame a book for not living up to the marketing copy; that’s written by the publisher, and the author often has little control over it. In the case of The Placeholder, the book I expected was “quirky forty-something woman figures out her life after divorce; hijinks ensue.” That, however, is only the first few chapters of the book I read. The story very quickly takes a turn, as main character Sera makes a series of increasingly illogical and dangerous decisions, often with the attitude that she knew she was choosing poorly but was somehow powerless to fight the inevitable. The first two-thirds of the book was all over the place as Sera spiraled down … and then, when something happened to halt that spiral, things really took a turn for the unexpected. I found Sera’s story more compelling at that point, though it still felt like the great romance she ultimately enjoyed came somewhat out of nowhere. Although I connected more with the book by the end, The Placeholder was too disjointed to really satisfy me.

Review copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.

[Kori May · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC

This book was not what I was expecting based on the description. I was expecting a light, funny chick lit read. This was not that.

Overall, this wasn't a bad book, but it really felt like it had no direction in the first half, other than the MC banging EVERY guy she meets.

I have no issue with a woman being empowered in her sexuality, but it was almost as if she couldn't help herself, to the point of hoping on a plane to meet some stranger she started talking to online 3 hours beforehand.... this encounter did not end well, which, while predictable after meeting her 'date', was a very abrupt turn for the story to make. Our character also seems to ignore very obvious red flags in every man she hooks up with (while still being self aware enough to see said red flags, know that they're bad, and do it anyway, seemingly due to a crippling fear of not having a man in her life)

Because of the sheer amount of eye rolling I did at the MC in the first half of the book, it was hard to be sympathetic to her terminal cancer diagnosis that took up the second half. I will admit though, when she went into 'hospice' in Puerto Vallarta, this seemed to be the one time through the whole book where she seemed most at peace and comfortable with herself, no longer trying to make herself 'complete' by being someone's girlfriend. Finally.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Placeholder isn’t the type of book that I would usually read but I found myself drawn to the story and personally attached to Sera. It’s a beautiful story of strength and weakness filled with love and tragedy that I imagine that very few people get to experience in their life. I suppose most that have experienced the tragedy that Sera has wouldn’t be able to find themselves and the love that they are surrounded by. It was difficult to the put the book down, yet I found myself procrastinating the last few pages avoiding the journey ending and dealing with my favourite bond to Sera.

Imagine reading something that affects you deeply and changes the way you have seen your own life.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐

I was fortunate to receive a space on the blog tour from Boldwood Books for this book. 

When the book started I found myself quite frustrated with Serenade, some of the decisions she made seemed very daft for a 40 year old woman although I understand she was reeling from losing her family. Carolyn is the best friend to have in a crisis! 

Please tread carefully with this book regarding cancer, I wasn't expecting it to feature so heavily in the book so it's definitely a trigger warning. 

My favourite quote:

"You start lily padding, jumping from bed to bed."

[David A. Kubichek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Serenade Kincaid, the protagonist in this very well crafted debut novel, grew up as a bit of an outcast on an Idaho Indian reservation. When we first meet her, she is suffering through a difficult divorce that results in loss of her house, her sports cars, half her income, and, most significantly, her step daughters. She is also a bit of an adrenaline junkie. The combination of these vectors in her life launch her on a scary, pinballing quest for seemingly any person of the opposite sex who might even remotely offer the possibility of exciting sex and a future of a home, children, and contentment.

The novel really plays out in two acts. Act One features Sera's post-divorce life in vivid Technicolor, but it isn't pretty. She is a lawyer and partner in a firm, but for the most part seems casually indifferent to the normal demands of her profession. She bounces from one prospective beau to another, purportedly in search for an enduring love. In reality, however, her inherent recklessness results in hook-ups with a series of bad, shallow, and in one case dangerous choices. And the only person of genuine character she encounters-a whitewater river guide-she quickly and, it seemed to me, frivolously dismisses him based on an insufficient physical endowment. Until she meets Zac, an ex-Marine in many ways, by his own admission, as damaged as Sera. When they begin their association, both commit to having only a superficial "booty call" arrangement, where each would be available to the other on a periodic, as-needed basis with no emotional attachments permitted. Zac was to be, in Sera's world, the ultimate "Placeholder", a handy sexual outlet and a useful "way station" until the real thing came along. Except that, in a series of almost Shakespearian twists and turns, neither actually honored that condition, but neither could overcome their respective emotional handicaps in order the acknowledge and then honestly share their developing feelings. Until it was too late.

And then comes Act Two. An observant reader will see the subtle signs and signals the author periodically plants along the way that were predictive of the calamity on the horizon that defines Act Two, although I didn't, at least the first time around. Suffice it to say that a calamity was indeed coming, and it is existentially terrifying, both for Sera, and for those who cared about her. And it inspires in Sera an epiphany. She realizes-what most thoughtful readers will already likely have concluded- that she just isn't a very good person in a very many ways. And so, in a quite touching moment, she asks her best friend, law partner, and the real hero in this book, to help her change.

Sera's journey thereafter is in equal parts funny, joyful, nostalgic, painful, heartbreaking, and ultimately life affirming in o many ways.

This tale is quite well crafted. Wolter's writing style is accessible, fluid, and emotionally appropriate. She is never cheesy, never gratuitously sentimental, and when she rips your heart out, which she now and then does, it is with the simple power of her tale. She has crafted an ultimately beautiful story of equal parts joy, humor, sadness, love gone wrong and right, and redemption. In the process, she has given us a handful of lovely characters-Vance, Stephan, Doris, Zac, and most especially the unforgettable Carolyn- all of whom contributed to making this story, in the end, a beautiful, life affirming tale I felt blessed to have read.

[Gregg Sapp · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sera Kinkaid, the addled main character in Lynda Wolters’s “The Placeholder,” Is a professional woman who knows what she wants in life. Unfortunately, the things that she yearns for most urgently are denied her, either by biology (children) or constitution (she is a disaster with relationships). So, what has she got to lose?

In the aftermath of her second divorce, she enters a precarious emotional state where she is lonely and depressed, but also eager for some devil-may-care fun. Even though she knows better, she yields to reckless carnal desires. “Nice to meet you” from a man in a bar is the equivalent to foreplay for Sera. She has a lot more self-knowledge than self-control.

Carolyn, Sera’s best friend, warns her that this lifestyle puts her at considerable peril. To help her through these traumatic times while still granting license for her hyperactive physical cravings, Carolyn suggests that Sera recruit a “placeholder”—a willing and acceptable friend-with-benefits who will give her the sex she needs but neither ask for nor expect any emotional attachments. In fact, Carolyn has somebody in mind for this task.

Given that, as she’s already acknowledged to herself that, “My desire to be someone’s chosen consumes me. Every. Single. Time,” it’s no surprise that, agreements to the contrary notwithstanding, Sera falls in love with Zac, her placeholder. Their agreed-upon rules of engagement prohibit any genuine romance, however. Disillusioned, Sera continues to blunder into some obviously doomed liaisons, one of which turns violent.

A bit beyond the halfway point, the narrative takes a total and unexpected shift when Sera learns that she has malignant lymphoma. Her focus turns to resurrecting lost face and righting whatever wrongs she has wrought in her life.

This abrupt deviation is profound, but it is not the only place in the novel where the plot dynamics can be jarring. In other places, Wolters sets up a scenario, only to drop it at the end of a chapter and move on to a new sequence of events at the start of the next. I get that there’s a point here—Sera’s life moves along in fits and starts. Even so, it feels like some events affecting the character’s evolution take place off stage.

Sera deserves better than to get sick, by which I mean that this character is so engaging, her issues are so complex, and her emotions are so simultaneously fickle and deeply felt that it would have been more compelling to see her work things out without the simplifying motivation provided by cancer. As soon as she is diagnosed, alas, her story becomes predictable.

[Sharon Rimmelzwaan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Placeholder is a book that I laughed and cried at in equal measure. A story of one woman and her life. Sera is divorced and alone, she specialises in drinking wine out of a box and in a cup as well these days. She is starting afresh and wondering how to do it. Enter Zac, another divorcee. They begin a free and easy, sex only relationship which is going OK and Sera feels she is going in the right direction. Then things take a turn noone could have foreseen.

I think I breathed this book in! I could swear the pages turned themselves, it flew by so fast before I knew it, I was closing the book. Sera is a woman who is so strong and determined, more people should be like this woman. In fact Lynda Wolters has written the characters so well I could have known them. I like Sera, flawed but so real. She started out so messy and grew as the book unfolded. Her best friend Carolyn, well, I think I want her as a friend too! A woman who takes no messing about, she will sort you out.

A story that I got fully involved with. I was invested in Sera and Carolyn's friendship throughout. Sera's bad decision making did make me wonder where her head was at but that was soon clear too! This is one of those books that make you feel like shouting at it as you know the character is going to regret what they are doing.

An original and contemporary story that is emotional and yet funny at times too. Realistic and well created characters which make this story one that flows so well. My first book by Lynda Wolters and I enjoyed it so much.
Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and Lynda Wolters for place on the tour and the copy of the book to take part.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are so many things that upset me about this book that I think the five-star reviews and I must have read different stories.

'The Placeholder' starts like a romance novel. The main character is going through a heartbreaking divorce and decides she needs to have lighter relationships for a while and enjoy herself. And then she proceeds to make decisions that make no sense. She proceeds to take one unsafe action after another and then when there are terrible consequences the reader is left to think that any woman who chooses to have lighter relationships deserves these dire consequences. This very serious triggering event happens pretty late into the story and while it's handled a little bit, a more terrible thing happens to overshadow it.

The book takes a sharp turn from there onward and completely changes tone. Then it becomes about the main character's legacy and her ability to be content with who she is. While her best friend sticks with her and is there through thick and thin, she also says things that are quite judgmental that doesn't make sense in their relationship.

This book is not light. There are many trigger warnings and it's hard to even classify it. While there was a sweet ending, I left it feeling disappointed and dejected.

with gratitude to edelweiss and mascot books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review

[Tracey Crosley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Be prepared to feel every emotion possible when you open up “The Placeholder”. This book is a crazy ride filled with friendship, depression, laughter, disappointment and a whole lotta sexy!

We meet the main character, Sera, when she is at her lowest point, reeling from the actions of her asshole of an ex. With the help of her best friend, Carolyn, and a plethora of self-help books, Sera begins her slow ascent out of despair and into the arms of…well, that would be spoiling everything!

Although Sera’s love life is a bumpy road, the one constant in her life is Carolyn. The friendship between these two women is MY FAVORITE part of the story. Lynda Wolters has written their story with so much love and poignancy it most certainly must come directly from her heart.

The only spoiler I’m going to leave with you is this: don’t be too far away from the tissue box when reading.

[Cindy Roesel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Serenade Kincaid's life is a mess. The only way for her is up. In THE PLACEHOLDER (MascotBooks) by Lynda Wolters, Sera has always wanted to be a mother, but now that she's getting divorced, it looks like she won't be able to see her step-daughters ever again. She's lost her house, half of her earnings and her sports car.

Sera goes through men like water and eventually her meddling, some times BFF, boss hooks her up in a relationship with a guy and extra benefits. It's a perfect relationship as long as she doesn't start getting feelings for him.

I'm not going to tell you anymore about THE PLACEHOLDER except to say, you'll experience every emotion reading it. I'd have tissues nearby. I kind of wondered where it was going at the start. Sere isn't the most likeable character, but like many of us, if we're open to change, positive change is possible.

[SH · Rating 3 out of 5]

Middle-aged Serenade Kincaid has lost everything, and her life is spiralling out of control. She has gone from the great life to living in a seedy motel, drinking boxed wine. Soon her supposed friend Carolyn is encouraging her to find friends with benefits, in the hope she could find the One. When Zac comes along, life for Serenade takes on a different pace.

This is an intense book, and at times I found myself a bit thrown by my thoughts on where it was going. I would say it elicited every emotion possible, with its take on friendship, depression all aided along by self-help books. I would say that this was not what I expected from a ‘romance’ novel, but instead was a more a reflection of one woman’s journey to find herself.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Cheyenne ✌️ · Rating 2 out of 5]

It took me weeks to read this book because I just couldn’t follow the storyline. I think the plot has so much potential, but did not necessarily play out well. I’m a sucker for a rebound love story, but this was not that. I feel like the first 60% of the book was a bunch of nonsense thrown together and it wasn’t a cohesive story and bordered on slut shaming in several sections. Additionally, there needs to be some trigger warnings at the beginning of the book for SA.

I do think the final 40% was a really moving storyline and once I got to that part, I finished the book the same day. The ending was sad and beautiful and I ugly-cried for at least an hour.

I’m also very disappointed in the formatting of the Kindle version of the book. The page numbers would just randomly appear in the middle of the screen as well as the author’s name; chapters would also start in the middle of the screen and words/paragraphs would have strange spacing issues. Hopefully this will be fixed by the release date.

Thank you to NetGalley for access to this ARC.